Duxbury, MA based VERC Enterprises (http://vercenterprises.com) today announced the sale of its 32 convenience stores to multiple buyers in the industry.
Leo Vercollone, CEO of VERC Enterprises, said that the buyers of the VERC sites include Energy North Group, Global LLP, and one unspecified buyer.
Not included in the sale are two Briteway Car Wash locations, one in Marshfield and one in Norwell, which will remain under the ownership of the Vercollone family. Paul Vercollone, current co-owner and Vice President of VERC Enterprises, will continue to operate these locations with his sons Nick and Chris.
VERC Enterprises was first established in 1977 by Eugene Vercollone, father of present owners Leo and Paul Vercollone. The company began as a single car wash in Marshfield, MA and grew to become a major independent operator of convenience stores/gasoline stations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. All of the company’s stores have operated under the VERC brand name and sold gasoline under leading fuel brands including Gulf, Mobil, Irving and Shell.
“While the decision to sell was a difficult one, we know that the stores will be operated by organizations that share the same values, purpose and commitment to service,” said Leo Vercollone, CEO. “We sincerely thank all of our wonderful customers we have had the pleasure of serving throughout our years in business. And we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to our associates who have been the engine and backbone of our company. We are so very thankful for their hard work and dedication.”
Since the company’s inception, VERC Enterprises has made employee engagement and community involvement key tenets of their business. Over the years, VERC has partnered with a number of community organizations in order to help provide employment and opportunity for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) individuals. Through its partnership with these community organizations, VERC Enterprises achieved its goal of having 20% of its convenience store workforce staffed by associates from the IDD community. In 2019, CEO Leo Vercollone received the May Institute President’s Award for recognition of the company’s longstanding commitment to employing individuals with special needs. The company was additionally recognized as The Boston Globe Top Places to Work in 2020.VERC Enterprises has also been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts, and as a Leader in Diversity. In 2017, VERC was named Employer of the Year by both the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and The ARC of Greater Plymouth, and Employer of the Year for Hopeful Journeys in 2017.
Raymond James & Company, Inc. provided merger and acquisition advisory services to VERC. Roger Woodman, Managing Director of Raymond James’ Convenience Store & Fuel Products Distribution Group commented, “It was an honor to be selected by Leo and Paul Vercollone to assist them with the sale of their business. They have an outstanding reputation throughout the industry and we are grateful that they entrusted Raymond James to guide them through this transaction process.”
“We selected Raymond James because of their breadth of knowledge in the convenience store industry and deep M&A expertise. Raymond James added significant value to us in navigating the sale process and demonstrated their deep experience throughout,” Leo Vercollone said.
Rubin and Rudman LLP served as legal advisor to VERC Enterprises, Inc. in connection with the transaction.
About VERC Enterprises
VERC Enterprises has served the region as a leading, independent chain of convenience stores and gasoline stations, with locations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The company began with a single car wash in Marshfield, MA, founded by Eugene Vercollone. The business, until the recently announced sale, has remained under family ownership, with Mr. Vercollone’s sons Leo and Paul serving as CEO and Senior Vice President, respectively. With nearly 400 employees, VERC has established itself as a leader in hiring individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with more than 20% of its workforce comprised of IDD citizens. For additional information, please visit the website, www.vercenterprises.com, or call 781-934-7300. To learn more about VERC, please view: https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLesS4W9hjtufdf6GhvnfUKMk2l2Q-r-MM
VERC Enterprises Awards and Recognitions
- 2019 May Institute President’s Award
- Boston Business Journal Book of Lists, Area’s Largest Family Owned Businesses, multiple years
- Exemplary Employer, Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (2017)
- Employer of the Year, ARC (2017)
- Operator of the Year (single location), New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association (2017)
- Leo Vercollone, keynote speaker (2016), Diversity in Workforce, Family Business Association
- Franciscan Leadership Award, Cardinal Cushing Centers (2015)
- Employer of the Year, MAPSE (Massachusetts Association of People Supporting Employment First), 2013
- Central Middlesex Area Department of Developmental Services recognition for work with IDD (2013)
- MetroWest Work Opportunities Coalition, Accommodation Award (2013)
- Grand Spirit Award, Convenience Store Decisions Magazine, for social media
- Grand Spirit Award, Convenience Store News,
- Distinguished Citizen Award, ARC (2010)
